Maheesh Theekshana took a hat-trick vs New Zealand
Photo : AP
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- Maheesh Theekshana scripted history vs New Zealand
- Theekshana took a hat-trick in the 2nd ODI
- New Zealand are leading the series 2-0
Maheesh Theekshana etched his name in the history books despite Sri Lanka's humiliating 113-run defeat in the second ODI against New Zealand at Seddon Park in Hamilton on Tuesday (January 7). The home team took an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series with the third ODI set to take place at Eden Park in Auckland on Saturday (January 11).
Sri Lanka won the toss and chose to bowl first after rain ensured a long delay and saw the match reduced to a 37-over match. The hosts had a dream outing with the bat and posted a huge total of 255 on the board with half-centuries from Rachin Ravindra, Mark Chapman, Daryl Mitchell. Theeshana was the pick of the Sri Lankan bowlers with a four-wicket haul. He conceded just 44 runs in his spell.
Maheesh Theekshana Helps Sri Lanka Create History
Theekshana took a hat trick by dismissing New Zealand captain Mitchell Santner, Nathan Smith, and Matt Henry. The 24-year-old got two wickets on the final two deliveries of the 35th over before creating history on the first ball of the 37th over.
Theekshana has become the 7th Sri Lankan bowler in history to take a hat trick after Chaminda Vaas, Lasith Malinga, Farvez Mahroof, Thisara Perera, and Wanindu Hasaranaga.
By virtue of the star spinner's incredible feat, Sri Lanka has become the first team in ODI cricket history to have 10 different instances of a player taking a hat-trick. Malinga holds the record of being the only player in history to take three hat-tricks in the format, while Vaas is one among five players to take two hat-tricks in ODIs.
Teams With Most ODI Hat-Tricks In ODI Cricket History
| Country |
Hat-Tricks |
Players To Take A Hat-Trick |
| Sri Lanka |
10 |
7 |
| Pakistan |
8 |
6 |
| Australia |
6 |
6 |
| Bangladesh |
5 |
5 |
| India |
5 |
4 |
| England |
4 |
4 |
| New Zealand |
4 |
3 |
| South Africa |
4 |
4 |
| Zimbabwe |
3 |
3 |
| West Indies |
2 |
2 |
This is the only second time an ODI hat-trick being taken in New Zealand. The only previous instance of a player achieving the milestone in the country was in 1994 when Danny Morrison registered the incredible feat against India in Napier.
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